As part of an ambitious multi-million-pound town centre transformational ‘Heart of Barrow’ project - plans are being proposed that would see the Forum and market hall buildings demolished.
Heart of Barrow is being led by Westmorland and Furness Council, working on behalf of the wider Team Barrow programme – a partnership between the council, BAE Systems and national Government.
Recently, detailed assessments carried out on the 55-year-old market hall and Forum buildings have determined they have reached ‘end of life’ and it is simply not viable to retain them. These assessments have shown that to re-open either, or both, buildings, even temporarily would lead to extensive and costly remedial works.
The wet weather has also highlighted some immediate issues with significant leaks in the roof of the market, which has brought forward plans to close the whole building. The council has concluded that the leaks are likely to get worse and as such it is no longer viable to keep the market building open.
That news was broken to traders in the mall area today. This has been a difficult decision that has a significant impact upon the market traders and to ensure that they are supported the council has immediately put in place a dedicated team to support them over the coming weeks. A sudden closure is never welcome, and we would like to provide assurance that this is not a decision taken lightly.
While the longer-term proposals are developed we have exciting ‘meanwhile’ plans being worked up with local stakeholders and we look forward to sharing more on this soon as decisions on this and the proposed demolition work are considered by Cabinet in March.
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Cabinet member for communities and culture, said:
“We understand and recognise the importance of the Forum and market. Not only as an entertainment venue and a retail facility, but as much-loved and valued community spaces. This important role has been clearly reinforced through feedback in the recent Heart of Barrow Community Conversation engagement.
"The project to develop the long-term vision for the future of the town centre will continue to work closely with the community to ensure that the essential elements of the Forum and market offer – arts, culture, entertainment, small business support and retail – along with more housing and a cleaner, safer and healthier environment, will all form part of the plans.”
Cllr Tony Callister, Chair of Furness Locality Board, said:
“We know these are big, bold decisions but we have a chance in a lifetime to transform our town and our town centre.
"We must be brave and while the longer-term transformation plans are being developed our meanwhile offer remains imperative – as it will be of the upmost importance that Barrow’s town centre remains vibrant and appealing as a destination for both local residents and those travelling from further afield in the coming months and years while the exciting transformation work is underway.”